PETALING JAYA: Parents should have open and honest conversations with children about the dangers of vaping, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for A Safe Community chairman said the vaping epidemic is a serious issue, adding that schools too must enhance comprehensive awareness programmes to educate students about its harmful effects.
“As a community, we cannot afford to stand by while our teenagers fall victim to this.
“The normalisation of vaping among teenagers poses a threat to the overall moral and social fabric of our society.
“When unhealthy habits are glamorised or trivialised, we risk creating a culture where health is no longer a priority and addiction is tolerated or even accepted.
“This shift in values undermines the very foundation of a healthy and thriving society,” he said in a statement on Friday (Oct 4).
Lee stressed that vaping, especially among youth, is a matter of grave concern.
“It often begins as an experiment or an attempt to fit in but quickly turns into a harmful habit with long-term effects.
“Research has shown that e-cigarettes contain dangerous chemicals, including nicotine, which is highly addictive.
“Nicotine exposure at a young age can also interfere with brain development, impair memory and concentration, and increase the risk of developing lifelong addictions,” he said.
He also warned about the risks of losing an entire generation to addiction, poor health and lost potential.
“This is not just a personal issue; it is a societal one with implications that could affect the future of our nation,” he said.
On Oct 1, enforcement began for the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
It covers regulations on registration, sale, packaging, labelling, and prohibition of smoking in public places.
Enforcement will be done in stages, with grace periods offered for businesses to adapt to the new laws.
